Pupils were initially kept inside the building while an external search was carried out.

Now the schoolchildren along with staff have now been moved to LaurelHill Community college while the security operation continues.

Chief Inspector Derek McCamley said: “Officers responded to a call from the school who reported that they had received a call claiming a device was left there.

"Police and school staff agreed that the children should be kept inside while an external search was completed.

"The children have now been moved to Laurel Hill school. The search continues and nothing has been found.”

Lagan Valley DUP MLA Paul Givan spoke of his outrage at the "despicable way" the school had been targeted.

Mr Givan is a member of the Board of Governors at the school.

He said: "'I am outraged that someone would act in such a despicable way to target a primary school with over 600 children. A school should be a safe haven for children to learn together but instead our children today have been evacuated from school and witness a security operation being put in place by the Police.

"Teaching staff are to be commended for their calm and swift action and after speaking with the Principal I know they are shocked and disappointed with what has happened but they will ensure the school moves on from this and it will be business as usual when the situation is resolved.

"I have spoken with the local Police Commander and I am assured every effort will be made to track down the lunatic that made this phone call. I would appeal for anyone that might know the individual responsible to contact the police to help them put the culprit behind bars where they belong."